Construction of state-of-the-art amphitheatre kicks off in Kumasi, four other cities

Ghana’s creative arts industry is set to receive a major boost as the construction of the five amphitheatres kicks off.

A sod-cutting ceremony has been held for the first project at the premises of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) in Kumasi on Wednesday 26 April.

The deputy minister for tourism, arts and culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, led a delegation from the ministry to undertake the exercise.

The project is in fulfilment of President Akufo-Addo’s manifesto promise before the 2020 general elections.

In his address, Okraku-Mantey said, “We are on the soil or on the grounds to start the project.  So, it will be prudent that we do the official thing that we do. We are here to do the first digging so that we can put on record that the project has started.

“By the end of July, this project should be ready. Similar projects will be mounted in Tamale, Accra, Takoradi and possibly Tema.”

The deputy minister touted the government’s achievements in the creative arts industry, including the passage of the Creative Arts Industry Act, 2020 and the construction of the Creative Arts Senior High School in Kumasi.

The event coincided with the 24th anniversary of the installation and enstoolment of the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The Kumasi mayor, Sam Pyne, underscored the need for local industry players to leverage the benefits of the creative arts sector to boost the economy of Kumasi.

He said, “I am glad to see this project [in Kumasi] because when the local economy of Kumasi is developed, we all benefit.”

Pyne commended the government for the initiative.

What is an amphitheatre?

An amphitheatre is an open-air venue used for entertainment, performances and sports.

In ancient Rome, amphitheatres were oval or circular in plan, with seating tiers that surrounded the central performance area, like a modern open-air stadium.

In contrast, both ancient Greek and Roman theatres were built in a semicircle, with tiered seating rising on one side of the performance area.

In modern times, an “amphitheatre” is used for any structure with sloping seating, including theatre-style stages with seating on only one side, theatres in the round, and stadia. They can be indoor or outdoor.

Reporting by Jonathan Ofori in the Ashanti Region

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